It is off the back of a wave of optimism that Scottish league football recommences on Saturday, with four Premiership fixtures.
Celtic may be aiming to win an unprecedented third successive clean sweep of the three domestic trophies, but their dominance of silverware does little justice to a division growing in self-confidence and quality.
Strong performances in Europe from all four representatives added to the welcome positivity provided by BT Sport’s coverage of the league mean that there is a feel-good factor present that has all too often been missing in recent seasons.
Successes on the continent have been all too few in recent years, but Celtic, Rangers and Hibs all progressed to the third qualifying round of their respective competitions. Meanwhile, the one faller, Aberdeen, were a credit to themselves as they were narrowly beaten by Burnley, a club with vastly superior resources, following a period of extra-time.
Only the Serbian league can lay claim to having made a stronger start on the international stage.
Appetites whetted, the hope is now that the main course can live up to the starter.
There was much to celebrate in the Scottish Premiership last season, despite Celtic ultimately running away with another title – a feat they will surely replicate come May 2019.
The entertainment value of games, particularly those televised live, was regularly high, attendances were healthy, while the league was competitive to the last, although Celtic were never seriously pushed for the title.
Rangers might not have made inroads into the Bhoys’ stranglehold of dominance, yet they return for the new season emboldened by the ambitious appointment of Steven Gerrard. Early days these may be, but backed by the board, the Liverpool legend has started to construct the type of side that finally has fans dreaming again.
The Gers may still be several players away from being able to challenge their crosstown rivals over a complete season, but on a one-off occasion they will feel they are more competitive than they have been since liquidation in 2012.
That sentiment has been shown by the fans, who have packed out Ibrox for the two European nights, giving their side unrivalled backing at this early stage of a Europa League campaign.
⚽ Celtic won 4⃣-0⃣ the last time the two sides met, back in 2008 🗓️
⚽ The last time Livi earned a point in this fixture was in August 2001! 😱
⚽ Check out some clips from both clubs' 17/18 seasons! 👇🎥
Their first home match of the league season, which isn’t until next weekend, against St Mirren, has long since been a sell-out.
Before then, they tackle Aberdeen, the side they are expected to leapfrog in order to re-establish themselves as, at least, Scotland’s second force.
Derek McInnes’ side, though, showed over two legs against Burnley that they remain a force to be reckoned with. Adam Rooney’s move to Salford City may have been billed as “Scottish football’s lowest point” by the ill-informed, but the Dons have retained much of their strength from last term.
The emergence of promising centre-back Scott McKenna last season was one of the great success stories in the Premiership last term, and the 21-year-old is a tangible representation of a swell of optimism in a new generation of young players.
Eighteen-year-old summer signing Lewis Ferguson’s spectacular overhead kick against Burnley has simply carried that on, ensuring there remains a buzz over the up-and-coming domestic prospects.
Meanwhile, Hibs have already shown that the fearless attitude they possessed last season remains present. Neil Lennon’s men were one of the most thrilling sides to watch throughout the 2017-18 campaign and hinted that they will remain so this time around thanks to their stunning 4-3 aggregate success over Asteras Tripolis in the Europa League.
Trailing 2-0 at home in the first leg, they embarked on a memorable comeback to claim a 3-2 success at Easter Road and then booked a date with Molde thanks to a 1-1 away draw.
Midfielder John McGinn got the decisive goal in Greece in midweek and the manner in which he celebrated suggests that he is not greatly perturbed by his club’s bullish stance to fend off interest from Celtic, although Lennon has said it is “inevitable” he will move on.
Not only does Hibs’ attitude towards the Hoops’ approach for the Scotland midfielder display the improved financial footing the game is now on, it highlights the increasingly self-confident attitude that shows they will not be bullied by the Glasgow club.
But it is not just the European sides giving reasons to be cheerful.
From the potential of Hearts to the promise of Kilmarnock under Stevie Clark via the innovation and engagement of Motherwell with fans, Scottish domestic football right now is buoyant.
It may not be the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A, but there is plenty about the product in the SPFL to celebrate. Slowly, that is starting to be recognised, appreciated and celebrated. And it is about time.
